Political Science Course Descriptions
POL 101
AMERICAN POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS
- This course is a study of national, state and local government, including the national
and state constitutions. It emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of citizens
and political processes and issues facing government. Emphasis will be given to practical
policy formulation at all levels.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 201
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
- This course is an introductory survey of the field of political science designed to
familiarize students with basic political concepts, political ideologies, political
systems, and subfields within political science. This course will also focus on the
major concepts, theories, institutions, processes and policies of government at the
national, state, and local levels. The class is intended for college transfer students,
especially political science majors.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 210
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- This course is a study of basic concepts, theories, and principles of international
politics. Emphasis shall be placed on an examination of contemporary world affairs
including the importance of nationalism, imperialism, ideology, alliance systems,
the rise of the developing nations and the nature of international organizations.
Specific case studies shall be examined to illustrate the various principles of international
relations.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 220
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
- This course includes a study of comparative systems of government, differing ideologies,
and current political problems. Analyses of revolutionary forces in the 20th century
are conducted for political insight and understanding.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 230
CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL ISSUES: MIDDLE EAST
- A one-semester course emphasizing the basic issues in conflict between nations of
the Middle East, this class will investigate, in addition to the political and economic
conditions, the social and cultural contributions of the Middle Eastern nations.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 240
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
- This course is an introduction to western political thought. The course surveys major
themes in the history of political theory, including works by Plato, Aristotle, Augustine,
Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau and Marx. Topics of discussion include how best
to govern society, the quality and ethics of political leadership, the sources of
law and governmental authority, the issue of liberty and justice, and the role of
the state in economic relations.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 250
UNDERSTANDING THE UNITED NATIONS: THEORY AND PRACTICE
- This course introduces students to the theory and practice of international diplomacy
and explores the purpose and functions of international organizations, with an emphasis
on the United Nations. Students will examine the historical evolution, norms, rules,
and functions of the UN within the broader context of global issues, human rights,
and diplomacy. The course includes discussions of pressing international problems,
established international law, and the protocols and procedures of diplomacy. Designed
to equip students with practical skills, the course incorporates immersive activities
such as class simulations and participation in a Model United Nations conference.
This course is well-suited for individuals with an interest in foreign policy, diplomacy,
international relations, law, and conflict resolution, or those who are intrigued
by the intricate dynamics of global governance and diplomatic relations in a postnational
21st century. POL 250 may be taken a maximum of 2 times.
- Transfer Credit: CSU
POL 255
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
- This course is an introduction to international studies and global studies for political
science majors and non-majors. It reviews the key events and patterns in the world
to understand the ways that relations among world communities impact the lives of
the people in them. It examines the key elements of global citizenship. And it introduces
students to the concept of “Glocal” – think globally, act locally. The world communities
are becoming increasingly interconnected, interrelated, and interdependent. This phenomenon
undoubtedly has a significant effect on the way people live around the world. This
course aims to introduce students to the reality of this occurrence, and to critically
analyze the various factors that help us to understand how the interconnectedness,
interrelatedness, and interdependency is happening and the general effects they are
having on us. By examining these factors which are rooted in politics, economic, military,
environmental, and social relations, we ourselves are immersed in them as global citizens.
And ultimately seek to understand what global citizenship is, and what are the rights
and responsibilities that accompany this title of global citizen.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
POL 280
RACE, GENDER & SEXUAL IDENTITY IN POLITICS
- This course introduces students to an overview of the history, the issues, and the
political processes that effect the status and power of groups which have traditionally
been politically and socially disadvantaged, scapegoated and marginalized in the United
States. These groups include, but are not restricted to, African-Americans, Asians,
Latinx, women, gay and lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people. Of particular
concern are the ways inequalities regarding race, gender, sexual orientation and identity
affect political power and political privilege within the American political system.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
- Meets CSU/UC Ethnic Studies Requirement
POL 281
RACE, Ethnicity & Lantinx POLITICS
- This course serves to broaden the ethnic and racial perspectives of students by examining
the political, social, and cultural experiences of Latinx communities in the United
States. Special attention is devoted to theoretical approaches to the study of Latinx
politics, the diversity and intersectionality of Latinx identity and political equality,
the systemic barriers to political and socio-economic progress, and how inequalities
affect power, privilege, and political behavior in the United States. Students will
also analyze the social movements and contemporary issues affecting Latinx Americans
in their struggle for equal access to the U.S. political system. This course is not
open to students who are currently enrolled in or who have received credit for ETHN
281.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
- Meets CSU/UC Ethnic Studies Requirement (pending)
POL 282
RACE, Ethnicity & black POLITICS
- This course serves to broaden the ethnic and racial perspectives of students by examining
the political, social, and cultural experiences of African Americans in the United
States. Special attention will be placed on Black political ideologies and theories,
the diversity and intersectionality of Black identity and political equality, systemic
barriers to political and socioeconomic progress, and how discrimination affects power,
privilege, and political behavior. Students will also analyze the social movements
and contemporary political issues affecting Black Americans in their struggle for
equal access to the U.S. political system. This course is not open to students who
are currently enrolled in or who have received credit for ETHN 282.
- Transfer Credit: CSU; UC
- Meets CSU/UC Ethnic Studies Requirement (pending)
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